The Battle for Mon Calamari Escalates in the Conclusion to an Epic “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” Three-Part Story Arc

from StarWars.com:

In “Prisoners,” the must-see conclusion to the epic two-part season opener of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, all appears lost as the Republic army and its allies the Gungans have been captured by Riff Tamson and his seemingly invincible Karkarodon forces. The future looks as murky as the turbulent undersea battlefields of Mon Calamari, but there still are holdouts. Now all depends on Ahsoka Tano helping young Prince Lee-Char find the internal strength to unite the fractured races of his planet to drive out the Separatist invaders in a pulse-pounding battle airing at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT Friday, September 23rd on Cartoon Network.

The Guild Season 5, Episode 09: “Invite Accepted”

from The Guild:

Episode 09, “Invite Accepted” is now available on the web via MSN and Bing as well as Xbox Live and Zune. Zaboo pays back Clara’s favor as Tink and Codex set out on a mission together.

Special thanks to Blue Realm Studios and the 405th for the Master Chief armor, Dragonsquared for the furry costume and Mike Z Teeter and BSLCreations for all the Megagame-O-Ramacon signage.

Catch up on all of Season 5 on Xbox Live and Zune and via MSN and Bing. Connect with The Guild: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Tumblr, Flickr and our Fan Community.

“Dead Cert”: Own It On Blu-ray and DVD September 27, 2011 from Shout! Factory

from Shout! Factory:

This Fall, get ready for a bloodthirsty mix of From Dusk Till Dawn and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels when Dead Cert debuts for the first time in the U.S and Canada on Blu-ray and DVD September 27, 2011 from Shout! Factory, in association with Black and Blue Films. Jam-packed with all the ingredients of both a vampire flick and a gangster film — creepy monsters, scantily-clad women, tough-talking wise guys, gratuitous bloodshed and a seemingly crazy vampire hunter, Dead Cert features a star-studded cast of familiar British acting talent including Craig Fairbrass (The Bank Job), Dexter Fletcher (Kick-Ass), Billy Murray (Rise of the Footsoldier), Lisa McAllister (Pumpkinhead: Ashes to Ashes), Steven Berkoff (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Dave Legeno (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince), Jason Flemying (X-Men: First Class) and Danny Dyer (Dead Man Running).

Produced by horror specialists Black and Blue Films and directed by Steve Lawson, Dead Cert marks a welcome return to the fun, almost-traditional British horror filmmaking style that affectionately evokes the spirit of the contemporary-set movies of Amicus and Hammer — particularly the latter’s Dracula A.D. 1972 and The Satanic Rites of Dracula.

Dead Cert is a bloodsucking feast with more bite than most and one that horror fans will definitely enjoy sinking their teeth into. (Blu-ray, $24.99 SRP / DVD, $19.97 SRP)

When respected but small-time gangster Freddie ‘Dead Cert’ Frankham (Craig Fairbrass) is unexpectedly given the chance to make a tentative leap into the big leagues with the opening of his new nightclub in London’s East End, he doesn’t quite realize what he’s getting into. Unknown to Freddie and his partners, the club stands on the former site of a Black Church, established as a temple of evil in the 17th Century by a Romanian warlord-turned-vampire known as The Wolf. Flushed out of the city by emissaries of the Vatican during the Great Fire of London, and since then exiled in mainland Europe, The Wolf and his undead disciples have now returned to England to continue their diabolical plans to expand their legions and overcome mankind.

On the club’s opening night, Freddie is approached by an uninvited guest in the form of Dante Livienko (Billy Murray), an Eastern European businessman, gangster and drug-dealer with a fearsome reputation. Livienko and his associates want ownership of the club and are prepared to make Freddie an offer he can’t refuse in order to get what they want. But to Freddie, his new, legitimate business means far more to him than money and he’s not about to give up his hard-earned turf without a fight. What he doesn’t know, but is soon to find out, is the man he is about to cross is a 500-year-old vampire determined to rebuild his empire of evil on its original, unhallowed site.

BONUS FEATURES:
· Audio commentary
· Making-of Dead Cert
· Theatrical trailer

Dead Cert (2010)
Black and Blue Films/Raw Film Productions
Starring: Craig Fairbrass, Dexter Fletcher, Billy Murray, Lisa McAllister, Steven Berkoff, Dave Legeno, Danny Dyer, Perry Benson and Jason Flemying as “Chelsea Steve”
Directed by Steve Lawson
Executive produced by Will Horn and Steve Lawson
Produced by Jonathan Sothcott and Billy Murray
Written by Ben Shilito and Jonathan Sothcott, based on an idea by Garry Charles
Director of Photography: James Friend
Editing by Jason de Vyea and Wade Jackson

Not Rated
Running time: 82 minutes
Special features are not rated

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Dead Cert Blu-ray and DVD
Street Date: September 27, 2011
1080p High Definition/ 2:35:1
Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions
English 5.1
Bonus content: standard definition, 2.0 stereo

The Guild Season 5, Episode 09: “Invite Accepted” on Xbox and Zune

from The Guild:

Episode 09, “Invite Accepted” is now available on Xbox Live and Zune. Zaboo pays back Clara’s favor as Tink and Codex set out on a mission together.

Catch up on all of Season 5 on Xbox Live and Zune and via MSN and Bing.

Connect with The Guild: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Tumblr, Flickr and our Fan Community.

J!NX: Skin Our Site, Plus 10% Off

from J!NX:

Don’t like the new colors? Change ’em.
A few weeks back, we launched the EPIC REDESIGN of our site. ‘Twas on that day that we called upon you, brave souls, for your feedback. Many sang the praises of the new layout, the new navigation features, the easier product selection. And yet there were those few who cried, “Too Bright!” Well fear not, fellow adventurers. The crafty code-pounder-outers pounded out some code, and you now have the ability to choose the skin that you want to see each time you visit our site. Don’t like the selection available? Brolo has even allowed you to come up with your own skins. Beware, though, as such design is not intended for noobs. You have to know your way around CSS and browser add-ons. If we’re diggin’ it, we’ll make it available to the masses and hook you up with some smexy loot. If you haven’t clicked on any of the previous links by now, click here for all the deets.

10% off orders $30+
Use Promotion Code: NINJACY
This offer expires Monday, September 26, 2011 at 11:59PM PDT, so don’t wait!
*can’t be combined with any other offers, sale prices, or discounts

“Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2” Proves There’s Strength in Monsters

from Nintendo of Canada:

Now there’s a powerful new way to interact with the wild variety of monsters from the fan-favourite Dragon Quest video game series. Launching today for the Nintendo DS family of hand-held systems, Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 unleashes an epic adventure in which players can recruit, train and battle with imaginative monsters of all shapes and sizes. Better yet, players can create their own customized monsters by synthesizing two different ones and blending their unique traits and capabilities. With the built-in wireless features of Nintendo DS systems, it’s also simple and fun for users to connect with each other — locally and around the world — to share game data and engage in memorable monster battles together.

In Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2, players take on the role of a Monster Scout who has crash-landed on a mysterious island. To rescue missing passengers and members of the airship crew, they must assemble a strong team of monsters and fend off enemies in strategic turn-based battles. The game includes more than 300 monsters that can be recruited for battle and synthesized with other monsters to create new, more powerful ones. With more than 240 skill trees to choose from, players can customize their teams to prepare for all kinds of enemy encounters. Some monsters — including the iconic Slime — return from previous installments in the Dragon Quest series, while others are new.

“Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 is an extraordinary way for new and experienced fans to immerse themselves in the Dragon Quest universe and its colourful cast of monsters,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. “Players will have fun experimenting with different monster combos and unleashing them on their friends.”

Using a local wireless connection, as many as eight players can battle their monster teams against one another. Players with broadband Internet access can also use the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service to battle other Monster Scouts or take part in a weekly Wi-Fi World Tournament that connects players from all over the globe.

Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 also supports a number of Tag Mode options that can be used to exchange game data with others. By connecting via Tag Mode to other Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 game owners, players can battle each other and scout their respective monsters. Players can also scout additional monsters by connecting with owners of the Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation or Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies games.

For more information about Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2, visit dqm2.nintendo.com.

“Kirby Mass Attack” for Nintendo DS Delivers More Kirbys, More Power

from Nintendo of Canada:

If a group of lions is called a pride, and a group of dolphins is called a pod, what do you call a multitude of pink Kirby characters who swarm together for an action-packed portable adventure? The answer is Kirby Mass Attack, launching today for the Nintendo DS family of hand-held systems. This new installment in the fan-favorite Kirby franchise challenges players to control as many as 10 Kirbys at the same time as they smash through obstacles, defeat enemies and access new areas while adventuring through a series of colourful side-scrolling worlds.

In the Kirby Mass Attack game, the evil Necrodeus uses his magic staff to split the heroic Kirby into 10 copies of himself. Players must help Kirby return to his original form and save planet Popstar from darkness by guiding him on a quest through worlds fraught with enemies and obstacles. Players start with one Kirby and add more Kirbys to their crew by gobbling up fruit. With unique touch-screen controls, players can then use the stylus to flick Kirbys to break through obstacles, tap on enemy attackers to swarm them with Kirbys or gather Kirbys together and draw a line to carefully maneuver them in a mass. If Kirbys are knocked out, players can simply gulp down more fruit to rebuild their numbers.

“With 10 Kirbys to control, players can expect 10 times the fun,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. “As consumers start thinking about games for friends and family members to enjoy this holiday season, Kirby Mass Attack is another great experience available only on Nintendo systems.”

In some stages, players must think strategically about the number of Kirbys in their mass because certain challenges can only be solved if they have enough Kirbys. As they build their crew of Kirbys and collect medals to progress through the game, players can also uncover secret areas and unlock a variety of mini-games, each with its own distinctive challenges.

For more information about Kirby Mass Attack, visit kirbymassattack.com.

J!NX: Who’s Up for a Heaving Serving of ChickenSashimi?

from J!NX:

In our mundane meanderings about the interwebs, we discovered an artist that caught our eye. Taking inspiration from a shooter franchise that is quite near and dear to our hearts, ChickenSashimi has crafted 6 designs that show some love to some of our favorite game elements.

Akimbo 1887 Premium Tee
Flugruger Premium Tee
Riot Shield Premium Tee
Semtex Stuck Premium Tee
Scar Wars Premium Tee
AC 130 Premium Tee

$10 off your order of $45+
Use Promotion Code: 11THDOCTOR
This offer expires Monday, September 19, 2011 at 11:59PM PDT, so don’t wait!
*can’t be combined with any other offers, sale prices, or discounts

HalloweenCostumes.com: 2 Days Left for Free Shipping!

from HalloweenCostumes.com:

There’s only 2 days left to take advantage of FREE shipping on orders over $65! Halloween is fast approaching and it has no plans on stopping until the big day arrives. Over at HalloweenCostumes.com, we’ve been getting ready all year to help you have the best Halloween season ever by making our selection the best out there. Don’t let this offer pass you by, because on September 18th, it’s gone!

“Star Wars” Blu-ray Day! WIN Darth Vader ARTFX Statue

from GeekChicDaily:

Darth Vader may be dividing some fans by saying “NOOOOOO” on the new Star Wars Blu-ray set, but we’re thinking everyone can say yes to a cool free collectible statue of the Dark Lord by Kotobukiya. Because even if he has been compromised as a character by post-production effects, there is still good in him. He would be honored if he could join you — but first you must win our Darth Vader ARTFX Statue giveaway from our friends at Kotobukiya. It’s free to enter and summon bonus entries on our Facebook and Twitter, but hurry. The contest ends September 23, 2011, and even the Emperor will be less unforgiving than your crushing disappointment if you miss the entry window.

Clad in his Return of the Jedi attire, this 11-inch tall, Japanese-import Vader collectible stands in a battle pose, ready to teach his upstart kid Luke not to mess with dear ol’ dad. To emphasize that he’s serious, his lightsaber can glow red. So can his belt and breastplate. Thus, not only is it an awesome toy, but it doubles as the coolest night-light ever.

Give in to your anger (that this isn’t already part of your collection) and slice your way to our Kotobukiya Darth Vader contest page right now. Don’t Force-choke: grab extra entries at our Facebook and Twitter. If Darth falls to the wrong side, you can preorder one as well at Kotobukiya’s US site and Facebook. We wouldn’t want you to die of a broken heart.

The Guild: It’s a Celebrity Party! (Spoilers)

from The Guild:

As many of you who have been following closely already know, Season 5 has been chock full of some incredible celebrities. Some big stars have joined us in character roles for this season, and some have appeared as themselves in the context of our fictitious gaming convention, Megagame-O-Ramacon.

We kept the secret of all this year’s celebrities for several months and it’s great to see the reactions to their appearances. This week’s episode involves a celebrity party, and we are going to list them all here.

SPOILER WARNING: We’re about to spoil the celebs who appear in this week’s episode. For previous episodes, we’ve tried to keep from spoiling on Twitter, Facebook, etc., but for this one, we’re choosing to go ahead and talk about them. With no traditional “time slot,” our viewers watch on their own schedule so choosing WHEN the spoiler deadline passes is impossible.

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Celebs who appear in Season 5, Episode 8 – Social Traumas:

Amy Berg – Twitter bergopolis
Bonnie Burton – Twitter bonniegrrl
Eliza Dushku – Twitter elizadushku
Colin Ferguson – Twitter colinferg
Rick Fox – Twitter Rickafox
Grant Imahara – Twitter GrantImahara
Dichen Lachman – Twitter Dichenlachman
Zachary Levi – Twitter ZacharyLevi
Tom Lenk – Twitter tomlenk
Kevin Sorbo – Twitter ksorbs

A Race of Genetically Modified Humans Battles Genocide and Extinction in “The Cage of Zeus”, New from VIZ Media’s Haikasoru Imprint

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the release of the newest novel to be published under its popular Haikasoru imprint. The Cage of Zeus, by author Sayuri Ueda, will debut on September 20th and will carry an MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN. The eBook edition will also debut the same day on the Amazon Kindle, the Apple’s iBooks Store and the Sony Reader Store for $8.99.

Haikasoru publishes some of the most compelling contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences, and is the first imprint based in the U.S. dedicated to Japanese science fiction and fantasy in translation.

The Cage of Zeus introduces readers to the Rounds, humans with the sex organs of both genders. Artificially created to test the limits of the human body in space, the Rounds are a minority, despised and hunted by the terrorist group, Vessel of Life. Aboard Jupiter-I, a space station orbiting the gas giant that shares its name, the Rounds have created their own society with a radically different view of gender and of life itself. Security chief Shirosaki keeps the peace between the Rounds and the typically gendered “Monaurals,” but when a terrorist strike hits the station, the balance of power and tolerance is at risk… and an entire people is targeted for genocide.

“Sayuri Ueda is one of Japan’s most interesting new science fiction authors, and her work has won or been nominated for a number of awards,” says Haikasoru Editor Nick Mamatas. “The Cage of Zeus delivers an optimum mix of hard science fiction and thriller, combined with a distinctly Japanese view of gender politics, and the future of humanity itself.”

Born in Hyogo Prefecture, Sayuri Ueda is one of the most innovative science fiction authors in Japan. She won the 2003 Komatsu Sakyo Award with her debut novel, Mars Dark Ballade. Her second novel, The Cage of Zeus, was originally published in 2004. Her recent short fiction collection, Fish Boat, Animal Boat, was highly acclaimed in the sci-fi community and was nominated for the 2009 prestigious Japan SF Award. Ueda has also been nominated for the Seiun Award in the short story category for The Grave of the Bird. Her latest novel, The Ocean Chronicles, won the first prize of Best Science Fiction 2010 in SF Magazine and was one of the most noteworthy books of the year in any genre.

For more information on The Cage of Zeus and the Haikasoru imprint, please visit the dedicated website at haikasoru.com.